Local Contours Express women's gym exercises to make a differnce

SIKESTON - In an effort to recognize National Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October and to bring more awareness to the illness that affects many women, Contours Express in Sikeston joined the company's nationwide cause-

related initiative "10/5 To Save Lives: National Play and Pledge Day," which invited local residents to help raise funds for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

As part of the Oct. 5 event, the Sikeston women's gym and its members rounded up area residents and collected pledges for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

"Breast cancer is a very real disease in the world; and, there are many women out there suffering from this disease. We knew right away that we wanted to take part in this fundraiser. Our team hopes to bring more awareness about breast cancer to the Sikeston area, and we want women dealing with the disease to understand that exercise can make a difference in their lives!" said Lisa Neumeyer of the Contours Express in Sikeston, located at 227 North Main St,.

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women, according to the American Cancer Society, and several reports have indicated that exercise could, in fact, improve breast cancer survival.

Neumeyer said that the local women's gym is very excited to do their part in making a difference. Contours Express is asking local gym members to set an amount they would like to raise and collect pledges from family and friends.

On Oct. 5, members dedicated their workouts for the cause.

"The 'play' part of the National Play and Pledge Day will be dedicated to the workouts, while the 'pledge' part is what our members will collect for their efforts for the BCRF cause," Neumeyer said. "Our company's alliance with the Foundation is unique in our industry and we want to make sure we deliver as many donated dollars as possible from this special event. We have identified ourselves with an emotional cause and now we are demonstrating physical participation with the direction of our Play and Pledge Day."

Funds were previously raised by Contours Express in September during "Bunco for Breast Cancer" games.